The best gravel rides around Cowling

There are over 25 gravel biking routes around Cowling listed on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The terrain around Cowling is diverse, featuring a mix of open moorland tracks, canal towpaths, and paths through agricultural land. You'll encounter compacted gravel, dirt, and some paved sections. Elevation changes are common, especially on routes extending into the moors, while canal-side trails tend to be flatter.

Yes, Cowling offers several easy gravel biking routes. A great option for beginners is the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from Steeton and Silsden, which is a mostly flat, scenic ride along the canal. Another easy route is the Polish Airmen Memorial – Kildwick Church Bridge loop from Skipton.

For more advanced gravel bikers, routes extending into the moorland offer significant climbs and more demanding terrain. The Barden Moor Estate Track – Barden Moor Track loop from Skipton is a difficult 28.6 km route with considerable elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Barden Moor Track – Barden Moor Estate Track loop from Glusburn and Cross Hills, which covers over 45 km.

Many of the gravel biking routes around Cowling are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Barden Moor Track – Barden Moor Estate Track loop from Skipton and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from Steeton and Silsden.

The region around Cowling is rich in natural beauty. Along various routes, you might encounter highlights such as Lumb Falls, Embsay Reservoir, or the impressive Lad Law (Boulsworth Hill) Summit. Other notable spots include Hardcastle Crags Millstone Grit Stacks and Lund's Tower on Earl's Crag.

The gravel biking trails around Cowling are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from quiet canal paths to challenging moorland tracks, and the scenic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Cowling, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but be prepared for potentially busier trails and warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but moorland tracks can become muddy and exposed, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Many routes around Cowling start from towns or villages like Skipton, Steeton and Silsden, or Glusburn and Cross Hills, where public parking is typically available. It's advisable to check local parking options for your chosen starting point before you set out.

Yes, the area around Cowling includes sections of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, offering excellent, mostly flat gravel biking opportunities. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from Steeton and Silsden is a prime example of a route that utilizes these scenic towpaths.

While some routes pass through or near villages with amenities, many of the moorland tracks are quite remote. It's always a good idea to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer rides. For routes near towns like Skipton or Steeton, you'll find cafes and pubs for refreshments.